Camping near Gillett, Wisconsin provides access to both established campgrounds and more remote dispersed camping opportunities in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. Sites in this region range from 800 to 1,200 feet in elevation, with temperatures typically varying between 45°F and 80°F during the main camping season. Many Gillett area campgrounds feature sites alongside spring-fed waterways that remain surprisingly clear despite their woodland settings.
What to do
Hiking to scenic spots: At Chute Pond Park, visitors can access multiple hiking trails with unique water features. "The trails that go down towards the falls are really nice and it's a great campground to watch the stars!" notes one camper. Another visitor highlights a special geological formation: "One trail leads to a scenic overlook and another leads to slippery rock. Slippery Rock is a waterfall from the river that you can actually slide down."
Water recreation: Fawn Lake Campground offers swimming in a small pond within the campground itself. "There is a small pond within the campground which you are able to swim in, kayak in and go frogging in!" according to a reviewer. For those with children, the pond has been designed with safety in mind, as another camper points out: "They have a nice pond for swimming and a playground right by it for the kids."
Fishing opportunities: The waterways near Gillett support diverse fishing opportunities with multiple access points. "Shawano lake has a great fishery," notes one visitor at Shawano County Park. At Bagley Rapids, anglers can target specific species: "The short stretch of the Oconto River provides mainly brook trout and brown trout fishing," explains a regular visitor.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Bagley Rapids NF Campground provides sites directly adjacent to moving water. "Many of the sites are right on the river. There are very clean pit toilets and a pump for well water," reports one camper. The sound of water adds to the experience: "You can hear the constant rushing of the water over the rapids, which is so relaxing at night."
Seasonal decorations: Holtwood Campground creates a festive atmosphere during holiday periods. "The park is a festive place in the Summer and Fall seasons. Decorations for various holidays are often present," shares one regular visitor. The campground's location also provides historical context: "The Oconto River makes a pleasant backdrop, as well as a historic church that overlooks the water."
Sandy beaches: Waterfront sites at several campgrounds feature natural sandy areas for easy water access. At Boulder Lake, "The shore was pretty level and easy to get our kayaks in and out. The shore is shallow and mostly sand. Nice for swimming," explains a recent visitor. Another camper at Shawano County Park appreciates the "beautiful well taken care of beach" that complements the swimming area.
What you should know
Site spacing and privacy: Campground layouts vary significantly in the Gillett area, affecting your camping experience. At Boulder Lake, "It was decently spaced out from the other sites. The shore was pretty level and easy to get our kayaks in and out." Conversely, at Holtwood Campground, "Most of the spots are set up for RVs with little privacy."
Trail conditions: Trail maintenance varies throughout the season, with some routes requiring more preparation. "We did enjoy the hiking on the campground but there were some parts that were a little overgrown," notes one visitor to Boulder Lake. At Bagley Rapids, trails offer specific features: "There is a trail that runs along the river and many well-placed trees for hammocking if you like to be DIRECTLY on the river or even hanging over the water."
Mosquitoes and ticks: Insect activity can be significant, particularly in wooded areas. One camper at Pioneer Park warns, "The area is covered in mosquitos," despite the easy access and large site. At Chute Pond Park, "The sites are close to each other and ticks can get bad here but overall it's such a great, cheap option!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Shawano County Park offers designated swimming areas with amenities for children. "Lots of playground equipment for the kids. You can rent out a TeePee to camp in. Theirs a boat launch, and a beautiful well taken care of beach as well!" reports one family camper. Another visitor adds, "Such a fun place to camp. We always go here for the lake and we will spend the whole day out on the boat."
Playgrounds and activities: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds positioned near camping areas. "A playground is present and the owner is wonderful! Very friendly place!" notes a visitor to Fawn Lake Campground. At Chute Pond Park, one camper reports that "They have a little footbridge to fish off of, a playground, and a nice beach. You can rent out kayaks and little boats."
Novelty accommodations: Some campgrounds offer unique sleeping options that appeal to families with young children. "You can rent out a TeePee to camp in," mentions a visitor at Shawano County Park, providing an alternative to traditional tent camping that can excite children and create memorable experiences.
Tips from RVers
Hookup distances: Site layouts vary significantly between campgrounds, affecting convenience for RVers. At Shawano County Park, one RVer notes, "We liked the campground and would come again but the electricity and water was far away from the site probably over 60 feet away." By contrast, at Chute Pond Park, "almost all sites are electric."
Big rig accessibility: For larger RVs, site access requires advance planning. At Brown County Reforestation Campground, "Big rig friendly! Gravel pads and each site comes with a picnic table and fire pit." Some campgrounds have challenging access points, as noted at Chute Pond Park: "some sites are harder to back into with long trailers."
Site leveling requirements: Ground conditions at campsites vary significantly. A visitor to Boulder Lake appreciates that "the level sites, didn't even need the levelers!" while others report needing to adjust their rigs at sites with more uneven terrain.
